Do you have a job that requires you to wear a uniform? Do you have to bring it home with you and wash it? If it gets damaged or gets stained, for example, do you have to pay for the replacement? For your job do you have to wear specific work boots or shoes, which you are required to clean and maintain? Maybe you have to have tools for your role? Are required to repair or replace should something happen to them? If any of this sounds familiar to you and your job, you are likely able to claim a uniform tax rebate. This will mean that you can claim some money back in specific instances. Any money in your pocket rather than in the government's is a good thing!
What is uniform tax rebate?
Uniform tax rebate is something that has been around for a while but not everyone who is able to use it, actually uses it. The scheme means that you may be able to claim tax relief on the cost of certain things to do with your job. Under the umbrella of uniform, this can include the cleaning or repairing of specialist clothing you wear for work. Small tools which you might use for your role, like scissors or electric drills for example, can also be claimed if they need to be repaired or replaced. The initial outlay of buying small tools or clothing for work cannot be claimed, but cleaning and repairing and replacing, can be.
Who can claim uniform tax rebate?
Anyone who has to wash their own uniform can claim. Even if you're unsure if the uniform tax rebate would apply to you, it's worth double checking. There is an industries and occupations list which you can scroll through to see if your role appears on it. If you don't find your job on this list you can claim a deduction of £60. If it is shown on the list you can check how much you can claim.
Jobs on the list include pilot, uniformed prison officers and workers in the food industry. It's worth noting that nurses and midwives can claim for replacing shoes, socks and underwear.
How can you claim uniform tax rebate?
There are companies out there, often at the top of Google and certainly above the actually Government link, who say they will help you claim your uniform tax rebate. You don't need any help though, and you certainly shouldn't have to pay to claim. You can do it yourself via the Government website which is simple to use. The tax relief you can claim will help so many people out.
Some people get a flat rate which works slightly better if you're unable to give receipts. You can't exactly print out a receipt from your washing machine every time you wash your uniform. For other employees the uniform tax rebate might take the form so needing to keep receipts. This would give you an exact amount that you can claim the tax on.
You can make a claim by post. If you are filling in a self assessment tax return, simply input the amount in box 18 of the SA102 page.
What about PPE?
Right now, lots of companies are only able to keep going by implementing personal protective equipment for staff members. It's worth mentioning that you cannot claim tax relief for PPE. This does not come under the uniform tax debate system. Instead, your employer should give you the personal protective equipment free of charge to allow you to do your role safely. If you do have to buy it yourself, maybe if you're working ‘on the road' or away from the office and haven't actually been back into work since the pandemic, your employer should reimburse you the costs. Make sure you keep our receipts to prove how much you spent.
What else can you claim as a worker?
Every extra bit of cash in our pockets rather than going to the tax man is a good thing. You might be able to claim for subscriptions you pay to approved professional organisations. If you travel for your work you might be able to claim for tax relief on the cost of travel and the cash you spent, including overnight expenses. Many of us are working from home now and this will actually cost you, compared to working from an office. So it's good to know you can claim tax relief on additional household costs. This includes heating, business calls, contents insurance and broadband connection.
Be sure you claim what you are able to. It might not b a lot, but it'll help you out in the long run.